Chief Nursing Officer

• Your future role at a glance
• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Facility: Ascension Columbia St. Mary's
• Eligible for an annual bonus incentive

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

• Benefits that help you thrive
• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning

Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources

Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits

Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

• How you’ll make an impact in this role
• Oversee the overall management of nursing practice, nursing education and professional development, nursing research, nursing administration and nursing services.
• Provide leadership to management within areas of responsibility.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of services, policies, processes, and programs.
• Formulate and implement operational strategies and initiatives.
• Oversee operations, budget, financial targets, and human resources management.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration

Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required. Licensure from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing OR current home state license if considered multi-state/Compact State.

• Nurse Executive credentialed from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) preferred.
• Nurse Executive credentialed from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) preferred.

Education

Master's degree required.

Work Experience

• 5 years of experience required.
• 10 years of experience preferred.
• 2 years of leadership or management experience required.
• 5 years of leadership or management experience preferred.

What additional preferences we're seeking

Additional Preferences

Transformational Nursing Leadership: Demonstrated ability to advance professional nursing practice, integrate evidence-based care, and lead strategic initiatives that improve quality, patient safety, and clinical outcomes across the organization.

Operational Excellence & Accountability: Proven success driving operational performance through disciplined execution, measurable results, and a culture of accountability aligned with nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.

Culture & Talent Development: Experienced in fostering a highly engaged, inclusive culture that balances support with high expectations while strengthening recruitment, onboarding, retention, succession planning, and leadership development, including new graduate nurse and emerging leader programs.

Strategic Change Leadership: Skilled at leading complex organizational change, building leadership capability, and ensuring accountability for strategic priorities, cross-functional initiatives, and continuous performance improvement.

Executive Partnership & Influence: Collaborative executive with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills who effectively partners with physicians, executive leaders, and the Board to advance the organization's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.

#le@der

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify Statement

Employer does not participate in E-Verify and therefore cannot employ STEM OPT candidates.